Much has been made about deputy president David Mabuza’s preference to undergo personal medical treatment in Russia. Since 2015 after he was poisoned during his birthday party, Mabuza has been to and fro Moscow four times. The recent visit he undertook after being elected Deputy President, was done in his personal capacity whereas previous visits were done during his term as the premier of the Mpumalanga province.
When quizzed on his preference for Russian medical care, Mabuza explained that he prefers to revisit the medical centre that has his medical history. Fair. Because, he doesn’t need to explain himself over and over again to a new batch of medical practitioners elsewhere. Besides, it is Mabuza’s view that the Russians are quite good when it comes to treating poison. That’s his opinion, and in a democracy the man’s personal choice ought to be respected. Above all, Mabuza insists that he paid his air fare to Moscow. Now, Russia conjures up different opinions to many people. In Mabuza’s case, the onetime nucleus of the former Soviet Union remains preferred destination for medical treatment.
Now, here we are talking about a country that has strong bilateral relations with Pretoria. In addition, Russia and South Africa are part of the growing BRICS bloc of developing economies. For the uninitiated, the other three BRICS are Brazil, China and India.
Between themselves, the BRICS members have thrashed out exciting plans for economic self-sufficiency by establishing a BRICS bank which also seeks de-Americanise and de-dollarise its economic activities. This is one of the strategic ways in which BRICS can lessen its dependency on the US as the only remaining world super-power. The emergence of China in this regard as the world’s second largest economy bodes well for BRICS members and supporters.
Decades-old dependence on the World Bank and the International Fund (IMF), both firmly under the grasp and control of Washington, will become a thing of the past if BRICS offers a sound alternative to all the emerging democracies world-wide. Demands for structural adjustment in return for financial aid by the World Bank or IMF have irked many poorer countries. But lack of alternative funding sources have too often condemned needy countries to the stringent demands of the world’s two leading financial institutions which focus on development.
I’ve argued previously in this platform about the imperatives of democracy as a basis for free choices. We may not like the choices others make, but we must be among the first defend their right to their freedom of choice. That’s democracy.
So, when our country’s deputy president flies out to Russia next time, before we criticise him let’s pause and think if there are some among us who publicly disapprove of our trips to the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany or indeed anywhere around the globe. The answer is most likely no one. Indeed, Mabuza is a public figure, but then again, he says he coughs up from his own pocket for his troubles. That, in my view, evens up the equation. If Russia has excellent public medical facilities, anyone who wishes to utilise them should be left alone. This, indeed, includes Mabuza.
Opinionn by: Abbey Makoe – SABC Specialist Editor
